A Broadened Worldview
CHICAGO
From exploring the city to experiencing Little India, China Town, Little Mexico and visiting a Hindu-Christian worship service and an African American church— who says you need to go overseas for a cultural experience?
Back in October, all three Pack Your Bags teams travelled from Ellendale, ND to Chicago, IL and finished off in Milwaukee, WI. Chicago was full of cultural experiences, exploring the city, visiting different churches, trying new foods, and ministering to the homeless.
"The Chicago trip gave me the opportunity to experience different cultures without leaving the country. I tried new foods from goat meat tacos to octopus. I learned what a Hindu Christian service looks like, early morning street ministry to homeless people, and a ton about leadership from local pastors." -Jacob.
This was Pack Your Bags' 4th year working with Seeds of Compassion ministries, a ministry whose aim is helping with the needs of the homeless around the city and sharing the Gospel. We spent one morning with them experiencing this type of ministry and we were forever changed. As we prayed for individuals under a bridge, God began to speak to each of us.
"It was really neat to see the light in the eyes of the people who we were able to talk to. It was like a bit of darkness went away and they felt cared for in that moment" -Joe.
Another experience that Team Philippines and Nepal got to have while in Chicago was visiting the South Asian Friendship Center in Little India. It was here that we sat in on a Hindu-Contextualized Christian worship service, designed for Christians within the community who come from a Hindu background. It’s always eye opening when we can go and learn more about how people of other backgrounds and cultures experience God. This was one of those moments that our worldview was stretched as we learned about Hinduism in America and how to reach those of other cultures and religions with the Gospel.
We also visited and served in various local churches around the city.
"After being exposed to such a wide variety of cultures and types of praise, I now realize my way of worshiping God is not the only right way." -Abi.
Chicago forever changed us and we left with a broadened worldview and broken hearted for the lost in our own backyards.
"God spoke to me throughout the trip. Why aren't more people helping the poor? Why aren't people more aware of what's right in front of them? It encourages me to be more willing to help others; to help others that I know need it." -Keziah.
MILWAUKEE
After our time in Chicago, we headed to Milwaukee, WI where we worked with the ministry City on a Hill. City on a Hill is a nonprofit ministry that provides resources to those living in poverty and educates the public and volunteers on the realities of poverty today. All of this while instilling the truth of the Gospel to any who will listen. They taught us about God’s heart for injustices and for those living in poverty all over America and the world. We participated in a poverty simulation, helped with the Health Clinic, had a class on racial residue, and toured the city.
The city of Milwaukee itself was eye opening because of the vast diversity.
"The northern part of the city was surrounded by dilapidated buildings, boarded up homes, and vacant shops. There was trash on the ground and graffiti. In a split second, all that turned into a place where there was nicer structures, well cared for lawns, and luxury buildings. The divide between the two was obvious. Our guide told us that for the wealthy, there were ways to travel around without passing the impoverished side of town. Do the wealthy, who live so close to poverty, even realize what is happening in their own backyard" -Rachel.
The poverty simulation was the most impactful for many of us, as we lived for 40 hours in conditions most of us have never experienced before.
"The poverty simulation was one of the most impactful experiences of my life because it completely flipped my mindset about poverty upside down. The poverty simulation lasted about 40 hours, but I realized that people who actually live in poverty do not have an end in sight." -Kia
From participating in the poverty simulation, to serving in the Community Health Outreach, and learning about very real issues in America-- we will never be the same.